Trojans Aren’t Boasting

So, after punishing Stanford, what can the Trojans conclude about their prospects against UCLA, whom USC plays Nov. 21, after a Trojan open date?

Coach Paul Hackett and his players were cautious about assuming that their dominance over the Cardinal will mean much against the Bruins, who barely beat Stanford two weeks ago.

“I think the thing we have to remember about UCLA is, they’re a very fine running team,” Hackett said. “They have the passing with [Cade] McNown, but they also have the running.

“I think defensively, Stanford exposed them a little, did some really nice things, I think. Stanford can expose you, they can throw the ball.”

Safety Rashard Cook said he realizes that UCLA’s offense is a whole different matchup from Stanford’s.

“Maybe it helps a little bit . . . it gives us a psychological edge, ‘OK, we beat Stanford better than they did,” Cook said. “But I really don’t think it’ll really matter once the game starts.”